Huanzhu Time Travel: Yan Luo's Unbreakable Love in the Yong Dynasty

With the help of Liu Qing and Liu Hong, Fu Lun, Er Kang, and Wu Daozi repelled the men in black and continued their journey. Along the way, Wu Daozi, preoccupied with his thoughts, couldn't help but break the silence.

"Lord Fu Lun, Er Kang, the Shadow Pavilion's obstruction this time shows that the book is extremely important to them. I'm afraid our journey will not be peaceful," Wu Daozi said with deep concern.

"Mr. Wu, rest assured, with us here, we will protect you and help you find that master smoothly." Fu Lun's expression was firm, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

“That’s right! No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will not back down!” Er Kang’s eyes shone brightly, full of fighting spirit.

The group quickened their pace, drawing ever closer to Cloud Mist Mountain. The forest grew increasingly secluded and tranquil, with only the occasional bird call adding to the tense atmosphere. Suddenly, a fork in the road appeared ahead, three paths winding into the forest. It was unclear which one led to the hermit's dwelling.

"Which way should we go? Mr. Wu, do you have any ideas?" Fu Lun frowned and looked at Wu Daozi.

Wu Daozi shook his head helplessly and said, "I only know that the master is in Yunwu Mountain, but I really don't know the specific route."

Just as everyone was hesitating, Er Kang noticed something strange about the roadside bushes; it seemed someone had deliberately trampled them. "Look, everyone, there are trampled marks on these bushes. Perhaps someone just walked through here."

After careful observation, Liu Qing said, "Judging from these marks, they must have been left not long ago. They might be related to that expert. Let's follow them and see."

The group nodded and followed the path. They hadn't walked far when a dilapidated temple came into view. The temple door was ajar, and a sinister atmosphere permeated the surroundings.

"How could there be a dilapidated temple in this desolate wilderness?" Liu Hong gripped her sword tightly with vigilance.

“Let’s go in and take a look; maybe we can find some useful clues,” Furen said, leading the way toward the temple gate.

The group cautiously entered the temple, which was covered in cobwebs and filled with dust, and the statues were incomplete. Suddenly, a faint sound came from a corner, like someone weeping softly.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" Er Kang shouted, drawing his sword.

A ragged old woman emerged shakily from the corner, her hair disheveled and her eyes filled with terror. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" the old woman asked, her voice trembling.

“Old man, we are just passing by and would like to ask you if there is a reclusive master in this area?” Wu Daozi stepped forward and asked gently.

Upon hearing the words "expert," the old woman's expression changed, a flicker of fear crossing her eyes. She quickly shook her head, saying, "I don't know, I don't know anything! You all need to leave!"

"Grandma, don't be afraid, we mean no harm. We really have urgent business with that expert." Little Swallow, usually so carefree, tried her best to soothe the old woman gently.

The old woman hesitated for a moment, and seeing that the group didn't seem like bad people, she whispered, "I've heard of such a person who lives deep in the Cloud Mist Mountain, but that place is very dangerous, with many traps and wild beasts. You'd better not go."

“Thank you for the reminder, sir, but we must find him. Could you give us some more specific directions?” Furen said earnestly.

The old woman was silent for a moment, then pulled a tattered piece of cloth from her bosom. Strange symbols and lines were drawn on it. "I obtained this by chance; perhaps it can help you. But you must be careful!"

The group took the cloth and examined it carefully, discovering that it seemed to mark a route leading deep into the Cloud Mist Mountain. After thanking the old woman, they continued on their way.

Following the marked route, they ventured deeper into the forest. Suddenly, the ground beneath their feet began to shake; they had triggered a trap. "Watch out!" Furen shouted, and everyone quickly retreated.

Before they could even get their bearings, a group of men in black surged out from all sides and surrounded them again. "Hmph! You finally came. Today is your death day!" the leader of the men in black sneered.

"You think you can stop us?" Er Kang said fearlessly, brandishing his sword.

The two sides engaged in fierce fighting again. The men in black were well-trained and launched a fierce attack. Although Furen and his men fought back with all their might, they gradually began to struggle.

"This won't do, we have to find a way to break through!" Liu Qing shouted.

Just then, Liu Hong noticed a narrow path beside her that seemed to lead her around to the back of the men in black. "Everyone, follow me!" Liu Hong shouted and rushed forward first.

Following Liu Hong, the group wound their way along the path, successfully circling behind the men in black. They launched a surprise attack, throwing the men in black into disarray.

After a fierce battle, the men in black were finally unable to hold out and fled. The group was also exhausted, but they did not stop for a moment and continued to advance deeper into the Cloud Mist Mountain.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Xiao Yanzi was restless, pacing back and forth in her room. "Your Majesty, it's been so long, why is there still no news? Could Fu Lun and the others be in danger?" Xiao Yanzi asked, her face full of worry.

Hongli frowned as well, and comforted her, "Little Swallow, don't worry. Fu Lun and Er Kang are highly skilled in martial arts, they will be fine. All we can do now is wait patiently."

"But how can I not worry? The people of the Shadow Pavilion are so treacherous and cunning, what if..." Xiao Yanzi became more and more frightened as she thought about it.

"I am also worried, but we must trust them." Hongli embraced Xiaoyanzi, trying to reassure her.

Time passed day by day, and there was still no news of Fu Lun and the others. Little Swallow was extremely anxious and decided to secretly leave the palace to look for them, without telling Hongli.

Upon learning this, Xiao Tao quickly dissuaded her, saying, "Your Majesty, you can't go out! It's too dangerous outside, and the Emperor will be angry if he finds out."

"I don't care! I can't just stand by and watch them be in danger. Xiao Tao, don't stop me!" Xiao Yanzi said resolutely.

Just as Xiao Yanzi was about to leave the palace, Su Peisheng rushed over. "Your Majesty, the Emperor requests your presence in the Imperial Study."

Little Swallow had no choice but to follow Su Peisheng to the Imperial Study. As soon as she entered, she saw Hongli sitting at the table with a solemn expression.

"Your Majesty, is there any news about Fu Lun and the others?" Xiao Yanzi asked anxiously.

Hongli shook his head. "Not yet. But we just received news that the Shadow Pavilion seems to be making new moves, and we need to be prepared to deal with it."

"What? What tricks is the Shadow Pavilion up to now?" Little Swallow said angrily.

"It's still unclear, but we can't let our guard down," Hongli said. "Little Swallow, you should stay in the palace; it's the safest place here."

"But Your Majesty, I want to go and help..." Little Swallow wanted to argue.

"No! You stay in the palace and take good care of Little Swallow. This is also helping me." Hongli interrupted Little Swallow, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Little Swallow nodded helplessly, "Alright, I'll listen to you. Your Majesty, you must find a way to find Fu Lun and the others."

"I will. I believe they will return safely," Hongli said.

Deep within the Cloud Mist Mountain, Fu Lun and his companions finally found the reclusive master. The master lived in a hidden cave, surrounded by various mechanisms and formations.

"You've finally arrived." The expert looked at them, a hint of relief in his eyes.

“Senior, we have come for that book, and we hope you can help us,” Wu Daozi stepped forward and said respectfully.

The expert sized up the group. "It's fate that you found this place. However, that book is of great importance; what use do you have for it?"

Furen recounted the Shadow Pavilion's conspiracy and their objectives to the expert in detail. After listening, the expert pondered for a moment, then said, "I see. The Shadow Pavilion is ambitious; if they succeed, the world will surely descend into chaos."

“Senior, please hand over the scriptures to us. We are confident that we can break the formation and eradicate the Shadow Pavilion,” Er Kang said firmly.

The expert nodded. "Alright, I believe you. The scriptures are in the cave, but you must pass a test to obtain them."

The group exchanged glances and said without hesitation, "Please enlighten us, senior. We are willing to accept the test!"

The expert led them deep into the cave, where a stone door blocked their path. Strange patterns and characters were carved on the stone door, exuding a mysterious aura.

"This stone door can only be opened using a specific method. You must solve it within one hour, otherwise, the stone door will remain closed forever," the expert said.

The group immediately began studying the patterns and inscriptions on the stone gate. Time ticked by; would they be able to pass the test and obtain the scriptures? Everything remained uncertain. End of this chapter. Stay tuned for the next chapter.